The sequel no one saw coming: Sarah Palin to campaign with McCain

Sarah Palin announced Wednesday that she will campaign for Sen. John McCain, her former presidential running mate, as he bids for another term in the Senate. She'll also stump for conservative up-and-comer Rep. Michele Bachmann and Texas Gov. Rick Perry in early 2010.

As Decoder predicted last November, the former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate has become a hot ticket on the GOP hustings. Candidates are competing to see who can win Palin’s coveted nod of approval. (Plus her appearance at their fundraisers, of course.)

Her status as the Republican Party’s top draw may have become official on Wednesday with the announcement that in late March she will campaign with Sen. John McCain, who’s bidding for a fifth six-year term.

Remember all that sniping between anonymous aides about who was responsible for the loss, and whether Ms. Palin was on a mental walk-about prior to her debate with Joe Biden, and other stuff like that? Well, we’re not here to talk about the past. Let’s get the band back together!

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail with my former running mate,” Senator McCain said in a statement, adding that she “energized our nation and remains a leading voice in the Republican Party.”

McCain’s campaign bank account surely will be energized by Palin’s swing through Arizona. She is scheduled to attend a private fundraising event for the Arizona senator on March 26, with a public appearance, most likely a rally, the following day.

Is she going to Massachusetts? New GOP star Scott Brown won on Tuesday, so a Palin endorsement might not be strictly necessary at the moment, but wouldn’t the telegenic fomer Cosmo model (that’s Brown) and Palin look great together on a podium?